Just bought a manual trans swap kit...

#1

in the form of a running, driving 1984 325e. I am planning to swap the 5 speed into my convertible this winter. I’ll pull all the suspension, body panels and glass as spares.

The PO said it overheated, but runs OK on the highway. I don’t really want to tear into the motor to see how messed up it is cuz it is an ETA.

Random questions:

  • is the ETA oil pan the same as the one on the “i” motor?
  • what about timing belt cover and other front-of-engine stuff that might be handy to have in case of a front end impact?
  • anybody want a good set of diving boards or old style tail lights?
  • anybody want an ETA motor with a blown head gasket?

I may do a 3-way swap since the race car box is getting a little crunchy in quick 4-to-3 downshiffts (donor to race car to convertible). Does anyone have 12 tall jack stands I can borrow? :wink:

#2

That 84 is going to have a transmission that uses the sheet metal shifter console. You could switch your aluminum shifter to that one either of your cars, but it wouldn’t be the best approach.

I didn’t know you were looking for a “swap kit” for the vert. I’ve got everything you need just cluttering up the garage.

#3

jlevie wrote:

Great advice. Is the “shifter console” #5 in this diagram?

I didn’t know I was looking either until I started trolling Craigslist. :wink:

Actually, I have most of the parts but was thinking that it would be easier - given my mechanical disabilities - if I had the two cars sitting side by side so I could take Part A off one and put it on the other, then Part B, etc. I’m not so good with a box full of parts and trying to figure out how they go together.

PS - If you are coming to RA this weekend, could you bring that spare 3.73 that I swapped for the Lemons 4.10?

#4

Answers:
yes
yes
yes
yes

Sounds like a two day adventure at the race shop.You can hang suspended upside down to do the pedal box swap-out.
Line up the friends and let’s get to work.

I’d feel real upbeat about the swap-over, but the bad luck with Gress’ engine was a bummer (actually not the fault of any of the involved wrench guys, but a funky junkyard engine).

RP

BTW are you trying to overtake others with yur e30 car count?

#5

Patton wrote:

[quote]Answers:
yes
yes
yes
yes

Sounds like a two day adventure at the race shop.
Line up the friends and lets get to work.

RP[/quote]
That sounds like a plan! I won’t scavenge the oil pan or front-of-engine stuff until you see if you can use the motor.

I need to finish putting my parts list together so I can buy new wear items. Thanks for the offer!

#6

Didn’t take long for that bate to get snapped-up.
Maybe I should try fishing.

You really don’t want no ETA motor, just the goodies attached to the engine…p/s,alternator,oil pan,front w/p drive,valve cover,starter,that’s all it is good for.

RP

PS…you have to line-up friends, ha ha.

#7

Steve D wrote:

I’ll start this batting practice off with:

“I thought they took those types of ads down?”

next…

#8

Steve, if you need a place to dispose of the eta motor, I can always use a spare. Chuck

#9

IndyJim wrote:

[quote]Steve D wrote:

“I thought they took those types of ads down?”
[/quote]
Sometimes I think my wife would be happier if that’s what I was trolling for. :laugh:

#10

Just stop now while you’re ahead. This is too easy.

#11

Patton wrote:

I’m not sure if that will be as hard as finding a weekend I can spend wrenching, but it will be close.:wink:

Right now I am weighing “satisfaction of doing the project myself” versus “the car actually runs afterwards.”

Hmmmmm. I have a favor I could call in with Ryan at OPM…

#12

ARS?